By Joe Hakim

November 2, 2010

Pegasus Taverna Comes to St. Clair Shores

Pegasus Taverna Comes to St. Clair Shores

Pegasus Taverna

24935 Jefferson Ave, Saint Clair Shores, MI

The Papas family has opened a new Pegasus in St. Clair Shores. From the ambiance to the menu, the SCS Pegasus truly brings Greektown to the east side.

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For nearly 30 years, Pegasus Taverna has been the “go to” place in downtown Detroit’s Greektown. Their mix of friendly atmosphere, made from scratch cooking and affordable prices attracts families, couples and folks just hanging out in Detroit.

That’s a difficult mystique to recreate, but Pegasus has brought its unique menu and atmosphere to St. Clair Shores.

With its bright and welcoming interior, St. Clair Shores’ Pegasus is decorated in a similar fashion to the downtown location — only newer.  The ambiance is simultaneously elegant and warm.  While we visited, there was a couple on a date, a family of four sharing a meal and a group of 10 ladies who were enjoying food, wine, and company.  There for different reasons, each of these tables seemed to belong. Pegasus is ideal for a romantic night out or a large family dinner.

Athina Papas, whose family owns Pegasus, sat down with us as we sampled some traditional Greek fare and talked about the restaurants.

OPA!

Throughout the course of your visit, you may hear “OPA!” yelled at least a dozen times. Each time a server says opa, that means saganaki has been served. Saganaki ($6) is a thick slice of fried kasseri cheese that is flambéed table side with brandy and extinguished with fresh lemon juice.

Kasseri cheese is delicately sharp.  Frying plus flambé equals a piece of charred, gooey cheese that is an ideal companion to the crusty white bread that is served once you’re seated. Lemon juice adds an acidic layer that cuts the overall richness of the cheese.

While there is nothing wrong with Pegasus’ Greek salad (especially when it is topped with marinated octopus), a delightful change of pace is their village salad ($9).  This is a lettuce-less salad: fresh tomatoes, green peppers, red onions, cucumbers, and kalamata olives. Bright, crisp, and flavorful, the fresh veggies are not bogged down by the dressing making this salad crisp throughout the entire time you’re eating it.

When asked what their signature dish is, Athina does not hesitate for a second and says, “lamb chops.” It’s no surprise, really, Pegasus is the largest buyer of lamb in Michigan and one of the largest in the midwest.  Marinated in a secret blend of spices and olive oil, this is some ridiculously tender and flavorful lamb. Order your chops medium and get ready for some lusciousness.

Extraneous as it may seem, there are side dishes for the lamb.  Rice and peas, a traditional Greek side, are done well.   Peas are cooked to a point where they melt in your mouth.   Rice is fluffy yet still has an al dente bite to it.  Their mild flavors do not overpower the lamb in any way, which makes them ideal companions.

Pastistio is the offspring of macaroni and cheese and lasagna with a sprinkling of Mediterranean flavor. Ziti (or a similar pasta) is baked casserole style in a bechamel style sauce with feta cheese and topped with a Greek style tomato sauce. Pastistio is total comfort food.  Perfect for a cold evening, the rich, creamy sauce with the al dente pasta is combination that transcends ethnicity.  The tomato adds depth of flavor and to the comfort level.  There’s something so right about pasta, cheese, and tomato sauce — no matter where you get it.

Even if you’ve eaten saganaki, lamb chops, and pastistio, remember to save room for the loukoumades. This deep-fried dough soaked in honey topped with cinnamon and mixed nuts is truly something to behold.  Simultaneously light and satisfying, these little orbs of deliciousness are a perfect end to the meal. Brought to the table piping hot, it is difficult not to burn your mouth. If you’re able to hold off for a minute or two, you’ll bite into a sweet, floral, airy but substantial delight. Do not leave Pegasus without trying loukoumades.

An ideal evening at Pegasus begins with an exciting Saganaki performance.  Follow that with a refreshing, hearty Greek salad topped with octopus.  Your entree should be lamb chops (of course) cooked medium.  If you’re feeling full by this point, skip the rice and peas, and save room for the loukoumades.  You will not be disappointed by any part of this meal.

While the menu is nearly identical to the downtown restaurant, the wine list is a totally different animal in St. Clair Shores.  Comprised of California, World, and Greek wines, the list is aggressively priced and has been designed to match with the food.  If you’re interested in wine pairings, ask your server or talk to Athina.

The menu at Pegasus appears overwhelming.  There are many choices to make, but know that nearly every item on the menu comes from a Papas family recipe. Whether you’re enjoying the lamb chops or trying marinated octopus for the first time, rest assured the food will be prepared properly.

Of course, the sheer number of choices on the Pegasus menu also means there is properly something for everyone on the menu.  Not only can you visit for nearly any occasion, you’ll also be able to find something to suit nearly any taste. A family owned and operated restaurant with wide appeal, it’s a fantastic combination that has been working for the Papas’ for close to 30 years.

Joe is a food writer and photographer for TheHungryDudes.com. Follow him on twitter: @joefoodie and @thehungrydudes. Check out The Hungry Dudes food photos on Flickr

PEGASUS TAVERNA TO OPEN IN MACOMB COUNTY

Greektown Tradition Brings the Taste of Mt. Olympus Hospitality to Saint Clair Shores

Opening to Benefit Macomb County Food Program

Saint Clair Shores – Pegasus Taverna is proud to announce the Opening of its newest Pegasus on the Nautical Mile on Jefferson Avenue at 10 Mile Road in Saint Clair Shores, Michigan on Thursday, July 29, 2010.

Pegasus has been a Greektown tradition for three decades.  That tradition continues in Saint Clair Shores with same old world charm, friendly atmosphere and unparalleled Greek cuisine that made Pegasus a “must-go-to” place in Greektown.

“When you walk into the restaurant, you’ll feel at home right away,” said Dimitrios “Jim” Papas, co-owner of Pegasus Taverna.  “We’ve made every effort to keep everything the same – the same warm ambiance, the same great service, and the same incredible food.”

In Greek mythology, Mount Olympus was the place the gods assembled to consume ambrosia, the nectar of the gods and the substance which reinforces their immortality.  It is this authentic Mediterranean experience that Pegasus Taverna in Saint Clair Shores will provide.

Noted for its simple yet elegant preparation, Pegasus has continually set the bar for Greek food in the metro area.  The large menu offers an extensive wine list as well as a variety of traditional Greek dishes that includes chicken, pork, seafood, beef, vegetarian, and of course its succulent lamb.  And no meal is complete without savoring Pegasus’ award winning flaming Saganaki.

As part of Pegasus’ opening, a percentage of every meal sold on its opening day will go to benefit the Macomb County Food Program.  “We think having the Food Program benefit from our opening is a meaningful way of saying thank you to the local community for making Pegasus the great tradition it is,” said Papas.  “We’re very thankful for its success and hopefully this will be the first of many ways in which we express our appreciation.”

www.pegasustavernas.com

The best Greek food in Detroit, now in St. Clair Shores

By Jan Treuter

Ummm . . . The unmistakable, succulent aroma of broiled lamb chops, mingled with fresh lemon, garlic and Greek oregano. Someone cheers, “Opah!” and you can feel the warmth of the flaming kasseri cheese. It’s the unmistakable atmosphere and exquisite gastronomic experience of Pegasus Taverna.

But wait – this isn’t the Greektown landmark you’ve known and loved for three decades. This is Jefferson Avenue at 10 Mile Road in St. Clair Shores!

Jim Papas has brought to the east side the same old-world charm, friendly atmosphere and unparalleled Greek cuisine that made Pegasus the “must-go-to” place for a family dinner, special gathering or romantic evening.

At a time when keeping afloat is a challenge for any business, Papas holds to his belief in Michigan’s strength and viability, and in the resilience of its people and the loyalty of his customers. It’s why he continues to invest here.

“When you walk into the restaurant, you’ll feel at home right away,” said Papas, co-owner of Pegasus Taverna. “We’ve made every effort to keep everything the same – the same warm ambiance, the same great service, and the same incredible food.”

In Greek mythology, Mount Olympus was the place the gods assembled to consume ambrosia, the nectar of the gods and the substance that reinforces their immortality. It is this authentic Mediterranean experience that Pegasus Taverna now provides in St. Clair Shores.  Noted for its simple yet elegant preparation, Pegasus has continually set the bar for Greek food in the Metropolitan Detroit area. The substantial menu offers a variety of traditional Greek dishes that include chicken, pork, seafood, beef and vegetarian specialties and, of course, its succulent lamb. And no meal is complete unless it includes Pegasus’ award winning, flaming Saganaki, and finishes with a crispy, nutty diamond slice of honey-drenched baklava.

The substantial menu at Pegasus features all your Mediterranean favorites. For starters, there’s the savory chicken-lemon-egg-rice soup called Avgolemono and the classic Village Salad – a bounty of fresh tomato, cucumber, onion, olives, peppers, and crowned with the distinctive flavor of feta cheese. Delight your taste buds with Spanakotiropeta – fresh leaf spinach, imported feta cheese and spices in thin, delicate layers of filo; or Pastitsio – the ultimate comfort dish of baked macaroni with spinach, sautéed onions, dill, mint, cheeses, seasoning and topped with a creamy béchamel.

Pegasus is known for its lamb dishes and Mediterranean-style shrimp, squid, sea bass and other seafood selections. There also are plenty of chicken and beef dishes to choose from, and it’s a Mecca for vegetarians who flock in for the rice, chickpea and dill-stuffed grape leaves (Dolmathes) and the layered eggplant, potato, onion and béchamel baked Moussaka.

Along with the wonderfully flavorful dishes, this Greektown tradition has brought the taste of Mt. Olympus hospitality to St. Clair Shores. They opened by giving back to the community. As part of its “Day 1” celebration, Pegasus Taverna in St. Clair Shores donated a percentage of every meal sold to the Macomb County Food Program.

“We think having the Food Program benefit from our new restaurant opening is a meaningful way of saying ‘thank you’ to the local community for making Pegasus the great tradition it is,” said Papas. “We’re very thankful for its success, and hopefully this will be the first of many opportunities to express our appreciation.”

Pegasus Flies High at Grand Opening in St. Clair Shores

With a traditional blessing from Father Michael Varlamos of Assumption Greek Orthodox Church and the well wishes of local businesses, city officials and friends, Jim and Vicki Papas celebrated the Grand Opening of their newest Pegasus Taverna on Jefferson Avenue at 10 Mile Road in Saint Clair Shores.  Unmistakable was the succulent aroma of lamb and the old world charm that made Pegasus in Greektown legendary.

“When you walk into the restaurant, you’ll feel at home right away,” said Jim Papas, co-owner of Pegasus.  “We’ve made every effort to keep everything the same – the same warm ambiance, the same great service, and the same incredible food.

Pegasus Taverna has been the Greektown destination for 30 years, offering diners authentically prepared Greek cuisine and a well-stocked wine cellar.  It has been rated the Best Greek Restaurant by Hour Magazine and has created a huge following throughout the decades.

The substantial menu offers a variety of traditional Greek dishes that include chicken, pork, seafood, beef and vegetarian specialties and, of course, its succulent lamb.  And no meal is complete unless it includes Pegasus’ award winning flaming Saganaki.

In Greek mythology, Mount Olympus was the place the gods assembled to consume ambrosia, the nectar of the gods and the substance that reinforces their immortality.  Without question, Pegasus in Saint Clair Shores offers that authentic Mediterranean experience.

“Our family lives in the area and it was a natural progression to expand here,” stated Papas’ daughter, Stella.  “We are very involved in the community and are always looking for ways to give back.”

In fact, a percentage of every meal was given to The Macomb Food Program on Opening Night, July 29, 2010.  “Many people are desperate and struggling,” stated Susan Figurski, Food Coordinator, “its generous people like the Papas family that help us fulfill our mission.  They approached us, which was the first time a restaurant has ever done that, and we are so grateful.”

The Pegasus brings tantalizing food and a beautiful atmosphere – creating a perfect place for a great dining experience.  Located at 24935 Jefferson Ave, visit www.pegasustavernas.com for more information.

Second Flight

By Metro Times Food Staff

Pegasus Taverna has been a Greektown destination spanning three decades. Now it has branched out, with a new location on Saint Clair Shores’ “Nautical Mile.” Expect the same Old World atmosphere and the same Greek cuisine that made Pegasus’s reputation — including that flaming cheese. Drop in and see how the old is new again, at 24935 Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores; 586-772-3200.

Restaurant opening benefits food pantry

Thursday, July 29, 2010

The Macomb County Food program says it hopes to get a financial boost today from meals sold during the opening of Pegasus restaurant on the Nautical Mile.

The restaurant is donating a percentage of its receipts to benefit the program, which has seen increases in requests during the last few years.

The program operates 55 neighborhood food pantries and provides emergency food service throughout the county. Pegasus is on Jefferson near 10 Mile.

Pegasus grand opening will help needy families

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

The owners of the Pegasus Taverna restaurant in Detroit’s Greektown plan to open a new restaurant in St. Clair Shores on Thursday. A portion of the sales made during the grand opening will be donated to the Macomb County Food program, which operates 55 food pantries. Officials say the agency’s requests for help are up 24 percent this year.

Pegasus holds grand opening this week on Nautical Mile in St. Clair Shores

By Dave Jones, For The Macomb Daily

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Dimitrios “Jim” Papas, owner of Greektown staple Pegasus Taverna, is opening another restaurant with the same name on the Nautical Mile in St. Clair Shores.

The grand opening is set for Thursday with Papas pointing to a menu and style of food unique to the area.

“I’m looking at that as a positive,” Papas said, “and not cannibalizing any of the other businesses. We’ll attract more people to the area rather than take away from other restaurants — my goal is to bring new people to the area.”

Papas assures that patrons of the Greektown facility will find there has been no loss in translation to the new location as nearly the entire menu will be the same.

It’s a menu which features Greek and Mediterranean mainstays such as seafood, chicken, pork and vegetable dishes — as well as their famous lamb chops.

“We are noted for our lamb chops,” he said. “Our lamb chops are pretty much the best in town, and we have all the other Greek dishes — saganaki, moussaka, lemon rice — all the Greek staples. It’s a very extensive menu.”

Papas first opened Pegasus Taverna in 1981 on Monroe Street in Greektown.

The location has been very prosperous to Papas and the area — winning awards for its food, being voted best Greek restaurant and, most notably to Papas, creating a name and reputation for itself.

It’s a name that he always hoped to expand.

And a reputation he foresees keeping in the St. Clair Shores location at 24935 Jefferson.

“I hope to continue that tradition,” he said. “And I think it will be very successful for us.”

Papas has had plans and hopes for expansion for some time.

But with the closing of Tom’s Oyster Bar, which was previously at the St. Clair Shores location, Papas found a great deal on the building and the decision came easy.

Coming along with the food, which Papas described as simple yet elegantly prepared, will be Pegasus’ inviting atmosphere and “old-world charm” that features a “warm ambience and great service.”

“I hope that people will have the same experience as the one downtown,” Papas said. “Our goal is to have dinner there and find no difference whatsoever with the one downtown.”

And as a way of giving back to the area Papas spoke of the jobs that will be needed to successfully run the location.

Thus far, he has received hundreds of applications and has created 55 positions to start, with more to come as business increases.

“I found it overwhelming, the response,” he said. “People looking for jobs, I was amazed. Sometimes you don’t realize how bad things are — to see that, it makes my heart cringe sometimes.”

Also, on opening night, Pegasus will donate a percentage of every meal sold to the Macomb County Food Program, as a way of thanking the area and community for making “Pegasus the tradition it is.”

“We have had overwhelming support from the city and community,” he said. “We should be very busy.”

Greektown’s Pegasus Taverna expands to St. Clair Shores

By Melody Baetens

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Nautical Mile is getting a new restaurant. Long-standing Greektown restaurant Pegasus Taverna is opening a second location on Jefferson just south of 10 Mile in St. Clair Shores. The new Pegasus, which will offer traditional Greek dishes, flaming saganaki and an extensive wine list, is set to open Thursday.

Greektown’s Pegasus Taverna expands to St. Clair Shores

By Melody Baetens

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Nautical Mile is getting a new restaurant. Long-standing Greektown restaurant Pegasus Taverna is opening a second location on Jefferson just south of 10 Mile in St. Clair Shores. The new Pegasus, which will offer traditional Greek dishes, flaming saganaki and an extensive wine list, is set to open Thursday.